TRADING Standards officers will attempt to stamp out the sale of dangerous toys amid fears that cash-strapped families will be tempted to buy cheap Christmas presents.

Officers will buy toys on sale in Waltham Forest and send them for testing to see if they pose a risk to children.

Cllr Afzal Akram, Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet member for community safety, enforcement and protection, said: “We’re trying to make sure everyone has a joyous and safe Christmas.

“The last thing we want is for parents to be spending their Christmas in casualty because their son or daughter has been injured by an unsafe toy.

“We’re doing everything we can to ensure residents have absolute confidence in the safety of the toys and games they are buying for their children this year.”

Every year more than 40,000 people in the UK require hospital treatment for toy related injuries.

Trading Standards officers will also be offering safety advice to parents, including stressing the importance of buying toys which are suitable for the age of their child.

Parents are also being reminded to check the toys comply with relevant safety standards.